Processor fan possibly overheating - can I clean it?

sherbie28

Hi,

I think my processor fan is overheating. I took the side off and the fan is covered in dust. Can I clean it myself or is it down to the professionals?

Thanks

banger9365

all you need is some compressed air in a can ,you get it from maplins,pc world,stables ect, i us a vac to do it (good old henry)

albertross_2

use a straw, or purse your lips, it's cheaper.

Don't use a vac, static can damage pc's

continentalgal

I also used to use cotton buds to wipe the dirt and grime off the fan blades and the rim of the fan - maybe you should do that first and then get rid of the yucky stuff with compressed air.

Tallymanjohn

Yes, compressed air is the correct & best way, but the cans are fairly expensive - £5-£6 if you're lucky & you need to make sure you aren't blowing the dust into the rest of the innards, especially the power supply (that will benefit from a through blast of air as well). Try Albert's straw method for a start - blow through the side of the heatsink so you clear the vanes rather than from the top which will just push the dust down. Make sure you've switched it off at the mains, but leave the plugs in so the whole system is still earthed.

ants97

I'm sure asda sell cans of compressed air for about 4/5 quid as well.

Conor_3

As well as using a can, get a small 1-2" paint brush and use that as well to dislodge the thick stuff. Make sure to clean inside the vanes on the heatsink.